Forgacs has hosted a delegation of senior Australian and Tongan defence personnel for the showcasing of its near-complete 30.4m Landing Craft for the Tongan Defence Services (TDS).
The company received the visitors at its shipbuilding facility in Newcastle. The visit included Rear Admiral Mark Purcell – Head Maritime Systems RAN, Brigadier Lord Fielakepa – Tongan Chief of Staff and Commander Heiss Fonohema – Second in-command Naval Component along with several other defence representatives.
Forgacs general manager Greg Hodge said the 30.4-metre steel-hulled vessel had been built at the company’s Carrington shipyard to a design by Sydney designers Incat Crowther.
‘‘In some areas where these vessels work there are no wharves, so the bow opens down to allow vehicles on and off, or cargo can be craned on from the side,’’ Hodge said.
The landing craft, named Voea Late, will be used for the transport of TDS equipment and personnel, amphibious training, disaster relief and emergency towing. The craft is nearing completion after a 12 month construction period with final sea trials currently taking place. The $5 million vessel will soon be delivered to Tonga for commissioning.
Vessel Specifics
- Accommodation for 6 crew in 3 shared cabins with a galley and support services to support remote area operations.
- Designed to carry cargo such as fuel oil, fresh water, containers, deck cargo & vehicles.
- Deck loading will allow heavy vehicle access up to 85t with approx. 295t full deadweight carrying capacity. 4 X 20ft containers.
- Designed and constructed in accordance with Lloyds Class and NSCV (National Standard for Commercial Vessels) requirements.
- Training and spares allocations provided. Developed and delivered in-house by Forgacs.
- Top speed of 10 knots. Cruising speed 8 knots.